This article contains essential tips on how to clean and maintain your swimming pool cover.
When I do not use my pool, it is really important to me to use a pool cover. Doing so can prevent debris from contaminating the clean pool water.
However, that allows dirt and dust particles to collect on top of the cover instead. And when left alone, these contaminants can damage the cover and ultimately shorten its lifespan.
It is essential to clean and maintain your swimming pool cover to enjoy its benefits for years to come.
Read on as I share my top tips on cleaning a pool cover!
6 Tips to Clean Your Swimming Pool Cover
Whether you own a solid, mesh, or solar cover, follow these cleaning tips if you want to achieve a spotless pool cover surface!
Remove Debris on the Cover
The first step in cleaning your swimming pool cover is to remove all kinds of debris from it. These might be dirt, dust, leaves, or anything that got to the surface.
Make sure to lay the cover on flat ground. Choose a clean area in your backyard to avoid getting more debris on the surface. Depending on the type of debris, you can use a leaf blower, a leaf rake, or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove dry leaves with a leaf blower or rake. If you are dealing with wet leaves, leave them to dry first before sweeping them up.
Meanwhile, operate a vacuum cleaner to pull in smaller debris. It is recommended to use a shop vac to get more powerful suction.
Use a Garden Hose
Next, use a garden hose to wash down any dirt left on the pool cover. If possible, use a high-pressure nozzle to target the grime stuck on the cover.
Start from one end and spray the debris toward the opposing cover end. Repeat as necessary to remove the stubborn dirt and dust.
However, ensure that no excess water stays on the pool cover after hosing it down. The last thing you want is to leave puddles of water on the cover because it can put unnecessary strain on the motor.
Scrub the Surface Gently
Do you still notice dirt on the swimming pool cover after hosing it down? Then, you might want to consider scrubbing any areas with deep-seated debris.
Use a soft-bristled broom or pool brush to scrub waste matter off the pool cover surface. Consider applying a cleaning solution to make the chore easier. However, avoid brushing the surface too hard. Instead, work in a gentle way to prevent damaging the cover.
It is best to perform this thorough cleaning method every month, even if your cover does not have stubborn debris. Doing so can extend your pool cover’s lifespan.
Wash with a Mild Detergent
If you want to ensure in-depth cleaning, you can use mild detergent to wash the pool cover. But first, remove the cover from your pool. Lay it on a flat surface.
Next, combine mild detergent or dishwashing soap and water. Mix both ingredients thoroughly.
Then, get a clean microfiber cloth and soak it in the soap solution. Wipe away any debris on the surface with the cloth. You can also use a brush to clean the cover fabric.
Rinse with Water
Once you have done the cleaning steps above, it is time to rinse off the detergent or any cleaning solution that you use. Wet the surface with a garden hose. But this time, it is acceptable to use regular water pressure.
Do not skip this important step. If you do, you can expect to see white residue on the solid pool cover, which eventually becomes nasty grime.
Leave the Pool Cover to Dry
Finally, allow the pool cover to dry before putting it away or installing it on the swimming pool again. Doing so can prevent mold or mildew from developing on the cover fabric.
You can choose to lay the cover flat in your driveway or backyard. You can also hang it over a clothesline. But whatever you pick, ensure that it is exposed to the sun so that it can dry quickly.
You might also want to avoid placing the cover to dry on the grass. It can potentially kill your grass and harm your lawn.
How To Maintain Your Pool Cover?
Regularly cleaning your pool cover is great. However, it is just one of the several ways of maintaining it. Here are other methods to maintain your swimming pool cover and extend its lifespan.
Keep It Away from the Sunlight
Unless you own a solar pool cover, keep the cover away from the sunlight. Take note that UV rays from the sun can cause the tarp to deteriorate faster. You can also expect the cover to suffer from discoloration when exposed to the sun.
If you have no other choice but use the cover during the pool season, protect it against the sunlight at least. You can shield it with another protective cover that can withstand harsh UV rays.
Store the Cover Properly
If you do not use the cover for a long time, store it properly.
Before anything else, leave the pool cover to dry. Once dry, fold the pool cover into four-foot widths. Then, roll it from one end to prevent creases. Doing so also ensures the tarp does not take up too much space when storing it away.
Next, put the cover inside the bag it came with it.
Finally, choose a storage area with proper ventilation. Ensure the temperatures do not go beyond 120 °F to minimize the risk of mold and mildew.
Maintain the Right Pool Chemical Levels
Pool owners who use chlorine to clean their swimming pools might want to check the chemical levels. Take note that warm water and a concentration of chemicals will rise when the cover is exposed to the sun. These substances can harm the cover.
Maintaining the right amount of chemical agents in the pool is best to protect the cover.
If the pool is very chlorinated, consider removing the cover to prevent it from getting damaged. You must only place it back once the chlorine levels have returned to normal.
Check for Holes or Tears
Another way of maintaining your pool cover or tarp is to check for any holes or tears. Inspect it at least once a month to determine if you need to patch up any damages.
Look at the whole cover surface or fabric. But you might also want to examine other pool cover parts, such as pulleys and sliders.
Repair the Damages Immediately
If you see any cracks or tears on the pool cover, it is best to repair them immediately.
Depending on the kind of damage, you can use a self-adhesive repair kit or a thread and needle. You can also bring the cover to a professional and let them fix the problem.
How To Clean an Automatic Pool Cover?
While most of the cleaning tips above work on most pool cover types, automatic pool covers require a different kind of maintenance method. That is because they contain moving parts, which might get damaged by traditional cleaning methods.
Below are some tips on how to clean an automatic pool cover to last you for a long time.
First, you can use a leaf blower to remove debris on a dry automatic pool cover. If you do not own one, you can sweep the dust with a soft-bristled broom or pool brush.
When cleaning a wet pool cover, hose it down. Spray the surface with high-pressured water from one end towards the opposite edge. But if the pool cover has more than an inch of excess water, it is best to use a rake to get rid of debris. Those with a budget can consider investing in a pool cover pump. You can rely on this equipment to remove excess water and floating debris.
Besides the automatic pool cover fabric, you must also take care of the motor box. Clean off dust and other grime stuck on the cover pump box so that the motor can work efficiently.
Moreover, check if all the motor pieces are properly greased. If not, consider applying lubricant to ensure proper automatic pool cover maintenance.
Finally, inspect the tracks once in a while. Use a garden hose or spray bottle to remove grime stuck on the in-ground pool cover tracks.
Conclusion
A pool cover can protect your pool from dirt, dust, and other outdoor elements during the off-season. However, it can quickly deteriorate if you do not properly take care of it.
It might seem like a hassle to clean this pool blanket at first. However, you will find that it is easy to maintain.
Follow our tips above to clean your swimming pool cover, regardless of the type you own. Doing so allows you to enjoy its benefits for years to come.
